:: ZX Spectrum 128k
Castle DUSARLYN fell years ago under the power of the kingdom of Pithá, home to the GUILD OF NECROMANCERS. For years, the kingdoms of Dusarlyn and Kotheras forged alliances to fight against these vile creatures.
Wëanor was trained in the arts of war and raised as Prince of Kotheras, as his uncle never had any offspring. Although he knows his parents died when he was just a child, he has been forbidden from visiting the kingdom of Dusarlyn. Since that fateful night, the kingdom's roads are no longer safe.
The prince has been denied the rite of passage granted to everyone upon coming of age—to travel and explore the realm—yet everyone knows his destiny is inevitable.
In the GUILD OF NECROMANCERS, the wizard Fynar knows nothing other than the study of the dark arts; nor has he seen any places other than those he visits through the visions inside the sphere. He has spent years studying it under the necromancers' command, influencing those upon whom his gaze falls through the orb. These have been lonely years of study, for he was born within those walls and knows little to nothing of the outside world, save for what he sees through the KISHÁ.
Your mission is to travel across the kingdom and uncover the full story, from both WËANOR's and FYNAR's perspectives.
Periodically, the game will alternate control between both characters, keeping in mind that the actions of one will directly affect the other.
Both characters are locked in conflict over the power of the KISHÁ. The wind has always carried tales of ancient heroes who fought against Delcram, the most wicked of the necromancers. The VADERETRO legend can be read in the dusty tomes of Castle Dusarlyn. The power of the orb, which has subjugated the three kingdoms—Pithá, Kotheras, and Dusarlyn—for centuries, has been rediscovered and seeks to endure for many centuries more.
Having come of age, he wants to venture out and explore the kingdom, but is not allowed to do so. You must find a way to achieve this by talking to the castle's inhabitants and fighting the creatures lurking outside.
The wizard must study the sphere's spells by exploring the castle's chambers to gather information about its potential.
Using the sphere drains Fynar's vital energy, though neglecting to use it takes its toll as well. Balance is the key.
Throughout the game, as Wëanor uncovers the history of his ancestors, time takes its toll on him, just as it does on Fynar. You must maintain a balance of power between both protagonists, as the life of one depends on Fynar's influence over enemies or the battles Wëanor fights. You must keep both characters alive until the very end.
Sinclair joystick, Kempston, or keyboard.
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Q | Up |
| A | Down |
| O | Left |
| P | Right |
| M | Action |
| Z | Inventory |
Selecting targets and casting spells within the sphere is handled using the same controls. You must select a target first in order to cast a spell. A spell is ready to use when it appears highlighted in full color.
The Curse of Dusarlyn is designed exclusively for 128k models. Select LOADER and press Play on the cassette deck.
| Concept | Participants |
|---|---|
| Script, code, and graphics | Sejuan |
| Music and player | Wyz |
| Cover and art | Pagantipaco |
| Additional graphics and loading screen | Mikomedes |
| Additional code | Utopian and Metalbrain |
| Testers | Equipo Retroworks |
| Translation | Augusto Ruiz |
To everyone who shares their knowledge of the Z80. To my teammates Rafa Pardo, Guillian, and Utopian for keeping me afloat when bugs were drowning me. To Augusto Ruiz for creating tools that make life easier for the rest of us. To Wyz and Pagantipaco because they always know just what to say to make my games better. And finally, to mikomedes and Isidoro -vtsartas- for their enthusiasm for the game and their help as beta testers.
Ana, Candela, and Vega for putting up with me. But above all, dedicated to Lola, "la churufa", my mother. I will never be able to thank her enough for listening to me and buying that ZX Spectrum.
